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Posted: 15 October 2005 2145 hrs
Buddhists hold gathering in Singapore to explore meaning of Zen
living
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia
It is a way of modern living that has its roots in Buddhism.
The Zen way of life to some people means peace and clarity of
mind.
Zen masters from all over the world are now in Singapore to explore
the greater meaning of Zen and its place in today's context.
If your mind is as clear as the ringing, you've probably arrived in
a very sacred place within yourself.
That's the basis of Zen teaching, an awareness of one's self in the
present moment.
It's a cultural phenomenon that's captivated people from around the
world, in search of peace in a conflicting world.
Thomas Pastor, Zen Teacher from Las Vegas, said: "Zen teaches
correct function and relationship to each situation. All of us when
we turn on the news and watch TV at night, we get overwhelmed by
how much suffering there is in this world, with disasters, tsunami,
and now earthquakes and many people dying. But it must come from
inside first, so individually, if we can make that change and
absorb this teaching, it will be reflected in the way you smile to
someone on the bus."
Zen Master Dae Bong, Kye Ryong Sahn International Care, South
Korea, said: "In the Western world there are many intelligent
people, who are tired of being given solutions that they are told
are the truth by religion, politics and economic theories. It
competes with one another, and it has conflicts with one another,
so that's not satisfying to people. If my religious truth causes me
to have conflicts with others, what's the value in it? Many people
think this way."
That is one reason why a thousand people gathered to seek the Zen
path.
So, does Zen have a place in fast-paced Singapore?
Master Dae Bong said: "I heard in Singapore everyone wants the 5
Cs, I want the cash, the credit cards, but those things aren't
permanent. They're useful, but will never give us satisfaction or
happiness, even the satisfaction we get is temporary, because what
gives you happiness will also give you sadness. So if you just
allow all these external circumstances to control you then it
doesn't matter whether you live fast or slow, you will be
controlled by circumstances."
The two-day international conference is the seventh in the series,
aimed at allowing followers to interact with the best minds in Zen
teaching. - CNA /ch
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